Studios in East Syracuse and Altmar, NY
About John Spradling Piano Studio
FREE Consultations | Tutoring Students Since 1971 | Lessons for All Ages
FREE Consultations
Tutoring Students Since 1971
Lessons for All Ages
An Experienced Piano Instructor
When you come to John Spradling Piano Studio for lessons, you receive expert instruction from a skillful pianist, a private teacher of piano and music theory and vocal and chamber music coach.
I began teaching private piano lessons in 1971 during a graduate assistantship at the Indiana University School of Music. Since then, I have held teaching assistantships at The Juilliard School, where I earned my master's degree, and The Eastman School, where I began doctoral studies and served as teaching assistant to my professor, Barry Snyder.
I offer classes ranging from beginner to advanced, and I teach children and adults. My students have won international and regional competitions, and many, upon high school graduation, have been accepted at the largest conservatories on a scholarship basis.
Not all my students wish to aim at careers in music. Therefore, I am constantly reminded that the basic foundation for all people studying is that they learn to love music and understand it better than they did when they started. I have a long list of happy and lengthy associations attesting to my abilities to deal with people on a personal and individual level which is suited to their needs.
An Autobiography of John Spradling
I am noted as a “…superb pianist…” by composer Vincent Persichetti, of whose piano concerto I gave the fifth performance in Indianapolis, IN. I am active in Central New York as a teacher, pianist, accompanist, adjudicator, and I have performed locally and internationally.
I grew up in St. Louis, MO, studying under Dorothy Dring Smutz, and I gave numerous recitals there as a boy. I made my debut as a competition winner playing the Grieg Piano Concerto. In the 1970s, I frequently played contemporary music, particularly the music of Vincent Persichetti. With his Piano Concerto, Op. 90, I won the Butler University Concerto Competition, and I played that concerto to great acclaim under Jackson Wiley.
I began teaching piano lessons in Syracuse, NY in 1997, and I have one of the most successful private piano studios in Central New York. My students have been accepted for study at many of the top schools and conservatories. They have won at every level of competition.
I am the proud father of three children. My piano studios are family and locally owned.
Extensive Music Education
Music Education
- Master of Music, Piano — The Juilliard School under Sascha Gorodnitzki and Abbey Simon
- Bachelor of Music, Piano, cum laude — Butler University under Martin Marks
Further Study
- Indiana University under Jorge Bolet
- The Vienna Hochschule under Hans Graf
- The Eastman School of Music as assistant to Barry Snyder
- Masterclasses with Gunnar Johansen, Raymond Lewenthal, Dalton Baldwin and Arthur Loesser
Wide-Ranging Teaching Experience
I have held faculty member positions at several of the leading music schools and programs.
- Syracuse University
- Hobart and William Smith Colleges
- Nyack College
- Dutchess Community College
- Hochstein School
- The King’s College
- Past Head Administrator of Dutchess Community Music School
- Private instructor in the home of Christa Ludwig in Weidling, Austria
Numerous Performances
- Syracuse University Faculty Series
- Hobart and William Smith College Faculty Series
- Keuka College Series
- Mohawk Valley Community College Series
- Civic Morning Musicals Live! at the Everson Series
- Society for New Music
- (Former) Syracuse Symphony Orchestra
- Live on WPEL-FM, Montrose, PA; WXXI-FM, Rochester, NY; and WCNY-FM, Syracuse, NY
- United States, European, and Asian venues
Professionally Active
I maintain an active professional life, including performances, adjudicating and holding memberships in key organizations.
- Active soloist and collaborative musician
- Performed in concerts and masterclasses in USA, Europe and Asia
- Past president — Civic Morning Musicals
- Past president — Central New York Association of Music Teachers
- Affiliated with the essential music organizations
- NFMC (National Federation of Music Clubs)
- MTNA (Music Teachers National Association)
- National Guild
- CMM Tiffany Award
- CMM Ruth Edson Award
- Who’s Who of American Teachers
A Strong Record of Earning Scholarships
I have had many students who have earned music scholarships at top schools and conservatories.
- The Eastman School of Music
- Indiana University School of Music
- Mannes School
- Cincinnati College-Conservatory
- Tanglewood
- Berklee School
- Wheaton Conservatory
- Ithaca College
- Syracuse University and more
A Long History of Successful Competitions
Many of my students have gone on to win music competitions.
- CMM/SSO Youth Concerto Competition
- All levels of CNYAMT Competition
- Society of Friends of Chamber Music Competition
- Ithaca College Competition
- Kilian Competition
- Thousand Islands International Competition
- Geneseo Competition
- Robinson Award
- Patricia DeAngelis Festival
- And others
Secondary Location Hours
Tue, Thu 11:00 am - 7:00pm
Mon Closed
Wed Closed
Fri Closed
Sat Closed
Sun Closed
All Appointments Scheduled in Advance
Share On: